Final answer:
To calculate the percent composition of hydrogen in the compound, divide the mass of hydrogen by the mass of the entire compound and multiply by 100. The percent composition of hydrogen in the compound is approximately 15.9%.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the percent composition of hydrogen in the compound, you need to divide the mass of hydrogen by the mass of the entire compound and multiply by 100.
Given that the compound contains 12.4 g of hydrogen and has a total mass of 78.0 g:
Percent composition of hydrogen = (mass of hydrogen / mass of compound) * 100
= (12.4 g / 78.0 g) * 100
= 15.897%
Therefore, the percent composition of hydrogen in the compound is approximately 15.9%.